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Dunning takes the Force(ful) option

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:39

Matt Dunning will again be patrolling the front row for the Western Force after extending his stay in WA.

The experienced prop made 11 appearances for the Force in 2010 after heading west following nine seasons with the Waratahs and proved a valuable asset playing at either side of the scrum.

"We're very pleased to have Matt commit for next season," said Mitch Hardy, RugbyWA General Manager of Rugby.

"Matt made a solid contribution to the squad in his first season and having a second year here will, I think, really see him flourish in the environment.

"He is pleased with how we've looked after him and managed his body and has enjoyed the opportunities that we've been able to offer him through the rugby programmes established in the west."

Dunning was one of a number of new faces in the Force pack last season but will return to a line-up relatively unchanged and keen to develop their cohesion and further the positive impact made in 2010.

"Matt worked well alongside fellow props Pek Cowan and Tim Fairbrother and was also willing to impart his knowledge to our developing players including Kieran Longbottom and Australian U20's prop Cruze Ah-Nau," Hardy said.

"He definitely adds a lot both on and off the field with his expertise and experience.

"Matt is a valuable member of the playing roster and we are looking forward to having him onboard for next season's extended competition."

With 101 Super Rugby matches and 45 test caps to his name, Dunning is one of Australia's premier front row forwards. The 31 year old said the decision to return to Perth for a second season was an easy one from a football perspective and that the support of his family, who'll continue to live in Sydney, made the choice clear.

"There are plenty of people in other jobs that do it a lot tougher than we will so in the end we were happy to do the same thing next year," Dunning said of his family situation.

"I was really happy with the Force last season. The first half of the year was tough with so many injuries to contend with but the second half of the season you could see the potential of the team.

"They are a good bunch of guys and I was keen to come back again.

"If we can stay relatively injury free I'm sure we can have a good crack at it next year."

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